PPP workers protest against the PML-N govt’s decision to allow Musharraf to travel abroad outside the Karachi Press Club on Sunday. PHOTO: ATHAR KHAN/EXPRESS
HYDERABAD/KARACHI: The Sindh government believes the Centre's decision to allow former president General (retd) Pervez Musharraf, who is facing trial under Article 6 of the Constitution, to leave Pakistan will have serious repercussions for democracy.
"We have launched the 'go Nawaz go' movement because the federal government has created a danger for democracy in the country," said Sindh information adviser Maula Bux Chandio in Hyderabad on Sunday. "The federal government should rather have set a precedent by getting Musharraf convicted so no one can again dare to derail democracy," he said.
PPP lawmakers to protest lifting of Musharraf's travel ban
In reaction to the decision to let Musharraf travel abroad, the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) began a campaign against Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. PPP supporters took to streets in several districts of the province for the second day on Sunday. Musharraf flew to Dubai early Friday after the government lifted his travel ban following a nod from the Supreme Court. Chandio claimed the PML-N reciprocated a 'favour' by lifting the foreign travel restriction on the former president and army chief, without explaining details of the alleged bargain.
"This is the difference between your [PML-N] and the PPP's leadership. Zulfikar Ali Bhutto didn't compromise on principles and accepted martyrdom, and your leaders escaped from the country [after the 1999 coup]," said Chandio. "A day in prison turned the eyes of your leaders teary but [PPP chief] Asif Ali Zardari without any conviction spent a long time in jail while remaining steadfast," he added.
Nawaz meets top military brass amid Musharraf departure
Protest in Karachi
The PPP also held a rally outside Karachi Press Club on Sunday. PPP Sindh general secretary Senator Taj Haider said Nawaz Sharif was the product of the army and establishment. "He contacts us in difficult times," said the PPP leader. He demanded the government re-arrest the 'former dictator' to restore the democratic set up and discourage anti-democratic forces. The party's Karachi general secretary, Nadeem Bhutto, said PPP has always fought against dictators. He said letting Musharraf leave the country was a joke with justice and the courts.
Published in The Express Tribune, March 21st, 2016.
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